I recently had the pleasure of attending a menu sampling and tasting event for RA Sushi. In case you were wondering what is RA, well...RA Sushi is one of the newest additions to the tourist hub known as Point Orlando on International Drive. Its sushi, its, Japanese fusion, its non traditional. Many have said that RA Sushi is the PF Chang's of Japanese food, and that's not a bad thing. When you think about the concept RA is going for, it makes since to place its only Orlando location in the tourist corridor

The restaurant is part of a national chain that was started by Rich Howland and Scott Kilpatrick in 1997 and was eventually acquired by Benihana in 2002.RA has locations across the country, and is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, with its original four locations scattered around the greater Phoenix area. Although Benihana owns these concepts, they are independently operated. The Concept of RA Sushi is to make sushi fun and adventurous all at once. The menu strives to take Japanese food and sushi to those who may not be brave enough to go to a traditional style sushi bar. Prices are moderate, the music is loud, and the vibe is fun.There are plenty of traditional offerings available on the Sashimi, Nigiri, and Maki Sushi menus like,Tuna, Yellowtail, Octopus, Sea Urchin and Fresh Water Eel or “Unagi”, but RA specializes in the gourmet Americanized versions with unique twists. The signature dishes are things like the Viva Las Vegas roll and the Crazy Monkey roll. The Viva Las Vegas roll is a good way to define the sushi at RA, as they have sold over one million rolls. Its a very tasty combo of crab, cream cheese, rice, seaweed, light tempura batter and is topped with spicy tuna, crab mix & sliced lotus root and sweet eel sauce and tempura bits. That is certainly a mouthful of flavor, but one that sushi purists would scoff at. That is where RA is trying to unite the fun and basic with the creative and outrageous and unify the sushi lover with the sushi beginner.When you couple all the wild food offerings with a pretty cool happy hour and cocktails that are just as creative as the sushi, you start getting the picture of the vibe at RA. The happy hour is from 4:00 to 7:00 and can be enjoyed anywhere in the restaurant. The Screaming Ninja, Grape Escape and Tokyo Tower, a concoction of plum wine, peach schnapps, vodka and 7-Up are just a sampling of the drinks available along with a wide variety of Sake.Edamame is always a good starter at a Japanese fusion place, and the Garlic Edamame with butter & Asian seasoning at RA was really good.

The Yellow Monkey Roll was all vegetarian with mango, roasted red pepper, artichoke, cream cheese, and topped with more mango and cashews and a kiwi wasabi drizzle.

The Crazy Monkey Roll is is made with smoked salmon, mango, cream cheese, topped with avocado,beet tempura bits and and cashews, drizzled with mango and sweet eel sauce.

Our final roll to sample was the Lobster Shrimp Roll with lobster, cucumber,avocado, topped with shrimp and served with Asian pesto sauce. All of the rolls we had were unique and very flavorful.

After all those rolls, it was time for a SAKE break. We were treated to a flight of three 2oz. pours ofKizakura “Pure”, Sho Chiku Bai Nigori “Creme de Sake” and Kizakura “Pure” Stars with flavors that ranged from sweet, dry and sparkling.I found the Tuna Saladinteresting. It included seared ahi tuna and albacore tuna with mixed greens, jalapeno, avocado, cilantro, cashews, wontons, and an onion soy vinaigrette.

For something different without raw fish, but still Japanese, the Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Udon was a real treat, especially with the spicy teriyaki sauce.If you have people who just refuse any type of sushi, or have children dining with you at RA, the Chicken Katsu is a great choice. Wonderfully breaded in Panko crumbs and a tasty Asian BBQ sauce for dipping.If you want all the flavors of a sushi roll, but would rather have it in fork sized pieces, the Bara Chirashi Bowl is a good idea with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and green veggies served over rice with a poki sauce.What could be a better ending than a Banana Split Maki ? It's sushi for desert with fried banana maki topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit then drizzled with raspberry and chocolate sauces.

Yes...RA Sushi is not your traditional sushi house. Its very westernized and very American, but sometimes breaking from the norm is a good thing. I really enjoyed all of the food and the ambiance they have there. Its the kind of place where you can kick back and unwind with lively music, a cool crowd, and some pretty darn good sushi...no matter what your preferences are.